Manchester United take on Brentford in the Premier League on Wednesday and Cristiano Ronaldo along with Marcus Rashford remain doubts for this game.
Ronaldo missed the Aston Villa game due to a hip flexor problem which is why Edinson Cavani had to lead the line on Saturday. Cavani did put in a fine shift but the South American did not possess any sort of attacking threat so clearly United need CR7 back.
“It [Ronaldo’s absence] was because he was injured,” Rangnick said in his post-match press conference.
“He still has problems with his [hip] flexor, that’s why he couldn’t train yesterday. We spoke before and after the training session and decided it makes no sense just to travel, without knowing if he can really play.
“We’ll see what the situation is like tomorrow [Sunday] and if he will be available again on Wednesday.”
Marcus Rashford suffered a dead leg in training which is why he too did not feature in the matchday squad.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Rashford be fit to play in midweek?
The pair did not train during the weekend so they remains a doubt for Wednesday’s game against the Bees.
Official: Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the 2021 FIFA @FIFPRO Men's World XI #mulive pic.twitter.com/dAbQ0UqmEr
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 17, 2022
In an interview with Sky Sports, the manager said of Rashford and Ronaldo: “Well, I expected them back today but they were not available. We will have to wait and see how it develops for Wednesday.”
Who will replace Ronaldo & Rashford if they aren’t fit?
Man United have received a major boost as Cristiano Ronaldo has just posted a picture which shows that he along with Marcus Rashford have returned to training.
The winners are…. 🤷🏽♂️😅 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/7uvKYEyKoC
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 17, 2022
This is a massive advantage for Ralf Rangnick and if Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit then he is a guaranteed starter. But if he is not fit then Cavani or Greenwood will likely lead the line.
Rashford has been low in terms of performance as well as confidence since coming back from his operation so even if he is fit then also we doubt if he will find a place in the side. Anthony Elanga was superb against Villa and the academy youth should be holding onto his place during the midweek game.
